𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟐: 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐦 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The moment I heard those words, it was as if a bolt of lightning had struck my brain.

His whimsical words were akin to picking up a stray cat abandoned on the roadside and taking it home.

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Perhaps, to him, I appeared like a pitiful cat, drenched in rain and covered in mud, without a home to return to.

I felt utterly miserable and pitiful.

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At the same time, I was filled with intense anger towards Lord Montyver, who made such a proposition to a woman he barely exchanged words with at their first meeting.

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Perhaps he lives in a grand house, has wealth, and will provide for me so I won’t have to struggle.

However, I came to Binemöer to be the attendant of the Marchioness.

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Even as the Marchioness looked on with an exasperated expression, she spoke to me.

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“If you are willing, you can go with him. It might be more comfortable for you that way.”

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Her words wounded me.

Even though the Marchioness was generous enough to allow me, a nobody, to stay with her without any conditions,

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I realized then.

Perhaps I was under the illusion that I was worth a great deal.

To think such a thing without having accomplished anything is sheer arrogance.

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“. . . . . .Am I a bother to the Marchioness?”

“Not to that extent.”

“Then!!”

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I stood up once and kneeled before the Marchioness.

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“Please give me a chance. I promise, I will be of use.”

“You don’t have to go that far.”

“Please, please!”

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This was my last stronghold. I had to cling to it, no matter what.

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“Why are you so attached to me? You wouldn’t have to struggle if you were with Leon. You could have a good life.”

“Even so, I came to Binemöer to work under the Marchioness. Could you keep me by your side for a month. . . . . .no, even a week?”

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The Marchioness looked at me with puzzled eyes.

I couldn’t back down now. Thinking this, I returned her gaze without flinching.

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In the midst of the deafening silence, a burst of laughter could be heard.

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“This is a loss for the Marchioness.”

“What do you mean?”

“No matter what anyone says, she won’t bend her will.”

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When Lord Montyver asked me if that was right, I nodded deeply.

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“Fascinating. It’s my first time seeing a woman more stubborn than the Marchioness.”

“I can’t believe it.”

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As the Marchioness looked at me, she let out a sigh that seemed to reach the depths of the world.

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“I understand. If you’re that confident in your usefulness, show it to me with your actions.”

“――! Thank you.”

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As soon as I uttered my words of gratitude, Lord Montyver pulled my arm and seated me in a chair.

He was smiling at me, but I pretended not to notice.

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“By the way, what is your son doing now?”

“Eh, your son?!”

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Seeing as I hadn’t mentioned having a child, Lord Montyver looked at me in surprise.

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“You fled across the country with your child?”

“Well, yes.”

“That must have been tough, wasn’t it?”

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I was at a loss for how to react to these words of sympathy, which I was hearing for the first time.

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“How old is your child?”

“Well, he’s six.”

“Ah, at a cute age!”

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Questions followed one after the other.

My child’s name is Ren, he’s a very good and obedient child, reserved but firm in expressing his own opinions――Lord Montyver listened to all of this with a look of enjoyment.

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“So, your stubbornness was for the sake of your child.”

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I don’t want to use Ren as an excuse, so I decided to ignore that comment.

I regretted my rude behavior later, but Lord Montyver did not seem offended.

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“So, Ren, was it? Is someone, like a maid, taking care of your son now?”

“No.”

“Don’t tell me, he’s alone?!”

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As I pondered over how to respond, Lord Montyver stood up abruptly.

Pulling me to my feet, he made a desperate plea.

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“You can’t leave a child under ten alone in this country!”

“Is it decided by law?”

“No, it’s different. Don’t you know the tale that they can be taken away by wicked sorcerers?”

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Once upon a time, it seems there were sorcerers lurking in Binemöer, abducting defenseless young children to obtain magical power from human flesh and blood. They have taken many lives.

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“We need to take him with us――.

“Ren is, well, he’s fine.”

“How is he fine when he’s all alone!”

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I felt overwhelmed by his somewhat angered tone and expression.

However, I managed to respond nonetheless.

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“I have a fairy who has a contract with me and stays close.”

“A fairy?”

“Yes.”

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The stern expression on Lord Montyver’s face changed completely as he looked at me with a deflated look.